American Idol - Top 5

I have to say that I was sad to see Casey go last week but I wasn't surprised. This is definitely one of the most talented seasons AI has ever had. At this point, for me, it's anyone's game. They are all so very good and have their own appeal.

Two songs this week. And Sheryl Crow. Let's do this.

Contemporary

James Durbin - "Closer To The Edge"

I completely agree that his voice fits this genre even better than 80's metal rock. No question. Did I think this was greatness from James? No. Did I think it was good? Yes. The beginning was a little weak, and I'm not sure if James wasn't loud enough or if the music was TOO LOUD. I'm going to lean towards the latter. It was shaky for me until he hit the bridge. The bridge was great and is crowd interaction was en pointe but I still don't think it was his best. There is definitely something lovable about James though. And he definitely show us where he could be in the music biz in a few months.

Jacob Lusk - "No Air"

I wasn't really sure about this song selection for Jacob and I've gotta say I didn't like the performance all that much. It was really awkward for me to watch when he started groovin' and doing the Superwoman punch-out move. Also, the beginning was a little to high for my liking. It sounded weird. When he hit the bridge and the chorus it got better but I just felt like there wasn't a lot of substance in the performance. It was a little pitchy and maybe a little sharp (confirmed by Randy). I am glad to know what kind of music he would release though.

Lauren Alaina - "Flat On The Floor"

Love this song. Loved the performance. Best of the night so far. I loved that Sheryl said to stand in a strong position and let the audience come to her. Lauren did that to night and it was great. Her energy was so high that she didn't need to move around the stage or get in the audience. That's a powerful song anyway so it doesn't need a lot behind it. It's one of those head-banging songs and she definitely had me head-banging.

(Can I just say again that I love Jennifer Lopez as a judge? She's fantastic.)

Scotty McCreery - "Gone"

This suits Scotty well and it was Scotty's best performance yet, in my opinion. There was nothing awkward or pitchy or fake about this performance. It was real, fun and real fun. And he sounded incredible too. It still blows my mind that that voice comes out of a kid like that. It's flawless. You can tell that Scotty has grown exponentially in this process, both as a person and as an artist. Yes ma'am Ms. Crow, he's got a great career ahead of him. Both he and Lauren Alaina just gave us a glimpse at what their concerts will be like in a year or two.

Haley Reinhart - "You And I"

My favorite thing about this performance? The violinist with the afro. Quality.

This is my feeling about Haley. Haley makes you love songs. I love Bennie and the Jets before she sang it and whenever I heard the song I thought of the movie 27 Dresses. Now, when I hear it I think of Haley. Adele's song Rolling In The Deep? Haley sang it two weeks ago. I've been obsessed with it since. Now, Gaga. I'm not a Gaga fan, but I love this song now. She had a moment like Sheryl said. Yes, she did. That's the thing about Haley, she just goes out there and sings. It's not premeditated, or at least it doesn't look that way. She has also definitely grown and come into her own. This is her sound, and I like it.

Well, the judges didn't really like it. I don't get it.

Oldies

James Durbin - "Without You"

There was definitely honesty in this performance. There were some really special parts in there too but overall, I just didn't like it. I wanted to like it because I know that song meant a lot to him but I think his emotions took over a little and it didn't work out too well for him. They kind of took him to that Yelly McScreamy place that I've noticed he goes to when he doesn't know what else to do. It just didn't work out this time. The last note was great though.

"It wasn't perfect, but it was emotionally perfect," said Randy Jackson. Tu chez, dog.

Jacob Lusk - "Love Hurts"

I think a lot of people are going to say that Jacob killed this song. I think he hurt severely injured it. I don't think it was great enough to say that he killed it but it was pretty darn good. Again, I wasn't sure about this one either but he pulled it through. I think it was a bold move and I think it was a good move, but I still don't think that he's made his case tonight.

Lauren Alaina - "Unchained Melody"

First of all, I love her dress. Second, I love her runs. Third, I loved this performance. It was sweet and gritty and elegant all at the same time. From a country point of view, she just put LeAnn Rimes to shame.

Scotty McCreery - "Always On My Mind"

Again, there's not much to judge here. I just sat back and enjoyed because it was another snippet of the Scotty McCreery national tour. He's just so good and I think he's made himself a front runner tonight.

Haley Reinhart - "The House Of The Rising Sun"

Brilliant.

Best Contemporary: Scotty

Best Oldie: Haley

Best overall: Scotty

In trouble: Jacob

What do you think?